Session 5:
Core Text: Sonn, Tamarra. (2009) "Chapter 10: Voices of Reformist Islam in the United States" from Reformist Voices of Islam: Mediating Islam and Modernity, ed. Shireen T. Hunter.

Overarching Question: How is the thinking on reform in the US similar and different from the thinking in other countries we have looked at?

Focus Questions:
What themes emerge for the reform thinkers in the US?
What challenges do they face?
What traditions of reform do they draw from?
How do they address/respond to the issues of Islam and Modernity - how are they distinct from or similar to the thinkers in other countries that we have looked at?

Process (times are approximate, however, we should plan to meet back together as a large group just before noon):

1. Working alone or with a partner, create a mind-map outlining the thinkers mentioned in the chapter. To do this, create an account in bubbl.us or use paper. Use the template below as a guide. If you sign in to bubbl.us, I can invite you to the file and you can "save as" to create your own version. (30 min)
vpwg95d_New-Sheet.jpg
2. Explore the videos below (you don't have to watch the entire video) and continue to add to your mind-map. (30 min)

3. Search 1-2 of the thinkers you are interested in and add to the mind-map as you watch additional videos and explore related content on the web. (30 min)

4. Add responses to the questions below (30 min)

5. Group Discussion (one hour)






How is reform in the US similar and different from the reform in other countries we have looked at?


What themes emerge for the reform thinkers in the US?

What challenges do they face?

What traditions of reform do they draw from?

How do they address/respond to the issues of Islam and Modernity - how are they distinct from or similar to the thinkers in other countries that we have looked at?